Abstract:

A network browser and toolbar objects are described herein. The network
browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar
objects can be on a toolbar that is a part of the network browser. The
toolbar objects can indicate information associated with wagering games.
Specifically, the toolbar objects can receive and display progressive
game content from a progressive wagering game server. The toolbar objects
can include progressive jackpot meters, progressive game branding, and
other information about the progressive game content. The toolbar objects
can also include settings that indicate player preferences regarding the
presentation of the progressive game content on the toolbar objects.

Claims:

1. A method, comprising: presenting one or more progressive toolbar
objects on a wagering game toolbar in a network browser, wherein the one
or more progressive toolbar objects includes one or more real-time
numerical meters; determining one or more progressive jackpot pool
amounts from one or more progressive wagering games, wherein the one or
more progressive jackpot pool amounts correlate to the one or more
real-time numerical meters; determining changes to the one or more
progressive jackpot pool amounts associated with the one or more
progressive wagering games; and changing the one or more real-time
numerical meters to reflect the changes to the one or more progressive
jackpot pool amounts.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining identifying
information regarding branding of the one or more progressive wagering
games; and presenting game branding graphics, related to the identifying
information, on the one or more progressive toolbar objects.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a selection of
the one or more progressive toolbar objects; and presenting one or more
wagering game play elements on the wagering game toolbar associated with
the one or more progressive wagering games.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a wagering game
result that indicates winning at least one of the one or more progressive
jackpot pool amounts; presenting a display showing that the at least one
of the one or more progressive jackpot pool amounts was won; and
resetting one of the real-time numerical meters associated with the at
least one of the one or more progressive jackpot pool amounts that was
won.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a secondary
input that toggles the one or more progressive toolbar objects between
modes.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: presenting one or more
progressive toolbar object settings to select one or more of a quantity,
a description, a location, and a sorting order of the one or more
progressive toolbar objects on the wagering game toolbar; and presenting
the one or more progressive toolbar objects on the wagering game toolbar
according to the one or more progressive toolbar object settings.

7. One or more machine-readable media having instructions stored thereon,
which when executed by a set of one or more processors causes the set of
one or more processors to perform operations comprising: presenting one
or more progressive toolbar object settings of a wagering game toolbar,
wherein the wagering game toolbar is in a network browser; determining
player preference information within the one or more progressive toolbar
object settings, the player preference information indicating preferences
for presenting one or more progressive toolbar objects on the wagering
game toolbar; determining progressive game data for one or more
progressive wagering games; and presenting the progressive game data,
using the one or more progressive toolbar objects, based on the player
preference information.

8. The machine-readable media of claim 7, wherein the one or more
progressive toolbar objects include one or more progressive meters, and
wherein the operation for presenting the progressive game data includes
presenting jackpot pool values on the one or more progressive meters.

9. The machine-readable media of claim 7, wherein the operation for
presenting the progressive game data includes operations further
comprising: presenting on the wagering game toolbar one or more of a
sorted list of progressive toolbar meters associated with progressive
jackpots for the one or more progressive wagering games.

10. The machine-readable media of claim 7, the operations further
comprising: determining identifying information regarding branding of the
one or more progressive wagering games; and presenting game branding
graphics, related to the identifying information, on the one or more
progressive toolbar objects.

11. The machine-readable media of claim 7, the operations comprising
presenting the one or more progressive toolbar object settings on a
toolbar menu configured to be hidden from view during a wagering game and
the operations further comprising: determining a selection of a menu
display control; displaying the toolbar menu; and displaying, on the
toolbar menu, the player preference information.

12. The machine-readable media of claim 7, wherein the one or more game
settings further comprise one or more of game controls, betting controls,
help menus, payout charts, login items, credit meters, payment meters,
game statistics, and bonus game information.

13. The machine-readable media of claim 7, the operations further
comprising: determining a selection of the one or more progressive
toolbar objects; and presenting one or more wagering game play elements
on the wagering game toolbar associated with the one or more progressive
wagering games.

14. An apparatus, comprising: a content communication manager configured
to receive and communicate wagering game data from a wagering game
server; and a content display manager configured to determine a selection
of a progressive toolbar object on a wagering game toolbar, wherein the
wagering game toolbar is configured to function within a network browser;
determine one or more wagering game play elements that belong to a
wagering game that features a progressive jackpot associated with the
progressive toolbar object; and present the one or more wagering game
play elements on the wagering game toolbar.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the progressive toolbar object is
a progressive jackpot meter.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the content communication manager
is further configured to obtain a progressive wagering game result from a
progressive game server, and wherein the content display manager is
further configured to present a display showing the progressive wagering
game result.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the content display manager is
further configured to present one or more additional progressive toolbar
objects comprising one or more of progressive jackpot meters, settings to
sort progressive game data, and indicators of progressive game
statistics.

18. A system, comprising: a progressive game server configured to provide
progressive game data; and a client device comprising a wagering game
toolbar in a network browsing capable application, the client device
including a content communication manager configured to receive the
progressive game data, a wagering-game-related object manager to read one
or more player settings containing information regarding presentation of
the progressive game data on the wagering game toolbar; and a content
display manager configured to present a display on the wagering game
toolbar showing the progressive game data according to the one or more
player settings.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising a wagering game server
configured to provide one or more wagering game results associated with
the progressive game data, and wherein the content display manager is
further configured to present the wagering game results on one or more
wagering game play elements on the wagering game toolbar.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the progressive game data comprises
one or more of progressive jackpot meter information and progressive
jackpot game results.

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner
has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent
disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files
or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Copyright 2008, WMS Gaming, Inc.

FIELD

[0003] Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally to
wagering game systems, and more particularly to present and control
progressive wagering game information.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Wagering game machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines
and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several
years. Generally, wagering game machines are confined to physical,
"brick-and-mortar" casinos. Consequently, wagering game enthusiasts have
primarily been restricted to enjoying wagering games only within those
casinos. The explosive expansion of shared wide area networks, social
networks, etc., however, has increased the ability for wagering games to
be shared on networks that extend beyond the physical walls of a casino.
Wagering game manufacturers, providers, and operators, therefore, have
attempted to find new ways to share wagering games using those networks.

SUMMARY

[0005] In some embodiments a method comprises presenting one or more
progressive toolbar objects on a wagering game toolbar in a network
browser, wherein the one or more progressive toolbar objects includes one
or more real-time numerical meters; determining one or more progressive
jackpot pool amounts from one or more progressive wagering games, wherein
the one or more progressive jackpot pool amounts correlate to the one or
more real-time numerical meters; determining changes to the one or more
progressive jackpot pool amounts associated with the one or more
progressive wagering games; and changing the one or more real-time
numerical meters to reflect the changes to the one or more progressive
jackpot pool amounts.

[0006] In some embodiments the method further comprises determining
identifying information regarding branding of the one or more progressive
wagering games; and presenting game branding graphics, related to the
identifying information, on the one or more progressive toolbar objects.

[0007] In some embodiments the method further comprises determining a
selection of the one or more progressive toolbar objects; and presenting
one or more wagering game play elements on the wagering game toolbar
associated with the one or more progressive wagering games.

[0008] In some embodiments the method further comprises determining a
wagering game result that indicates winning at least one of the one or
more progressive jackpot pool amounts; presenting a display showing that
the at least one of the one or more progressive jackpot pool amounts was
won; and resetting one of the real-time numerical meters associated with
the at least one of the one or more progressive jackpot pool amounts that
was won.

[0009] In some embodiments the method further comprises determining a
secondary input that toggles the one or more progressive toolbar objects
between modes.

[0010] In some embodiments the method further comprises presenting one or
more progressive toolbar object settings to select one or more of a
quantity, a description, a location, and a sorting order of the one or
more progressive toolbar objects on the wagering game toolbar; and
presenting the one or more progressive toolbar objects on the wagering
game toolbar according to the one or more progressive toolbar object
settings.

[0011] In some embodiments one or more machine-readable media having
instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a set of one or more
processors causes the set of one or more processors to perform operations
comprises presenting one or more progressive toolbar object settings of a
wagering game toolbar, wherein the wagering game toolbar is in a network
browser; determining player preference information within the one or more
progressive toolbar object settings, the player preference information
indicating preferences for presenting one or more progressive toolbar
objects on the wagering game toolbar; determining progressive game data
for one or more progressive wagering games; and presenting the
progressive game data, using the one or more progressive toolbar objects,
based on the player preference information.

[0012] In some embodiments the one or more progressive toolbar objects
include one or more progressive meters, and wherein the operation for
presenting the progressive game data includes presenting jackpot pool
values on the one or more progressive meters.

[0013] In some embodiments the operation for presenting the progressive
game data includes operations further comprising: presenting on the
wagering game toolbar one or more of a sorted list of progressive toolbar
meters associated with progressive jackpots for the one or more
progressive wagering games.

[0014] In some embodiments the machine-readable media further comprises
determining identifying information regarding branding of the one or more
progressive wagering games; and presenting game branding graphics,
related to the identifying information, on the one or more progressive
toolbar objects.

[0015] In some embodiments the one or more progressive toolbar object
settings can be presented in a toolbar menu configured to be hidden from
view during a wagering game and the operations further comprising:
determining a selection of a menu display control; displaying the toolbar
menu; and displaying, on the toolbar menu, the player preference
information.

[0016] In some embodiments the one or more game settings further comprise
one or more of game controls, betting controls, help menus, payout
charts, login items, credit meters, payment meters, game statistics, and
bonus game information.

[0017] In some embodiments the machine-readable media further comprises
determining a selection of the one or more progressive toolbar objects;
and presenting one or more wagering game play elements on the wagering
game toolbar associated with the one or more progressive wagering games.

[0018] In some embodiments an apparatus comprises a content communication
manager configured to receive and communicate wagering game data from a
wagering game server; a content display manager configured to determine a
selection of a progressive toolbar object on a wagering game toolbar,
wherein the wagering game toolbar is configured to function within a
network browser; determine one or more wagering game play elements that
belong to a wagering game that features a progressive jackpot associated
with the progressive toolbar object; and present the one or more wagering
game play elements on the wagering game toolbar.

[0019] In some embodiments the progressive toolbar object is a progressive
jackpot meter.

[0020] In some embodiments the content communication manager is further
configured to obtain a progressive wagering game result from a
progressive game server, and wherein the content display manager is
further configured to present a display showing the progressive wagering
game result.

[0021] In some embodiments the content display manager is further
configured to present one or more additional progressive toolbar objects
comprising one or more of progressive jackpot meters, settings to sort
progressive game data, and indicators of progressive game statistics.

[0022] In some embodiments a system comprises a progressive game server
configured to provide progressive game data; and a client device
comprising a wagering game toolbar in a network browsing capable
application, the client device including a content communication manager
configured to receive the progressive game data, a wagering-game-related
object manager to read one or more player settings containing information
regarding presentation of the progressive game data on the wagering game
toolbar; and a content display manager configured to present a display on
the wagering game toolbar showing the progressive game data according to
the one or more player settings.

[0023] In some embodiments the system further comprises a wagering game
server configured to provide one or more wagering game results associated
with the progressive game data, and wherein the content display manager
is further configured to present the wagering game results on one or more
wagering game play elements on the wagering game toolbar.

[0024] In some embodiments the progressive game data comprises one or more
of progressive jackpot meter information and progressive jackpot game
results.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the Figures of the
accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a wagering-game-related network
browser device 102 connected to a communication network 106, according to
some embodiments of the invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a wagering game network 200, according
to some embodiments of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a wagering game machine architecture
300, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0029]FIG. 4 is an illustration of a wagering game network computer 400,
according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0030]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a wagering-game-related network
browser device architecture 500, according to some embodiments of the
invention;

[0031]FIG. 6 is a flow diagram 600 illustrating controlling
wagering-game-related objects and content in a network-browsing capable
application, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0032] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a network-browsing-capable application
704, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram 800 illustrating controlling
wagering-game-related objects and content in a network-browsing capable
application, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a network-browsing-capable application
904, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0035]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram 1000 illustrating controlling
wagering-game-related objects in a network-browsing capable application,
according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram 1100 illustrating controlling
wagering-game-related content and content handlers in a wagering game
server, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0037] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a mobile wagering game machine 1200,
according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0038]FIG. 13 is a flow diagram 1300 illustrating using a wagering game
toolbar, according to some embodiments;

[0039] FIG. 14 is an illustration of a wagering game system 1400,
according to some embodiments;

[0040]FIG. 15 is a flow diagram 1500 illustrating using online wagering
game provider affiliations with a wagering game toolbar, according to
some embodiments;

[0041] FIG. 16 is an illustration of a wagering game system 1600,
according to some embodiments;

[0042]FIG. 17 is a flow diagram 1700 illustrating using a wagering game
toolbar to interact with player accounts, according to some embodiments;

[0043]FIG. 18 is an illustration of a wagering game system 1800,
according to some embodiments;

[0044]FIG. 19 is a flow diagram 1900 illustrating processing an online
wagering game tournament, according to some embodiments; and

[0045] FIG. 20 is an illustration of a wagering game system 2000,
according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0046] This description of the embodiments is divided into four sections.
The first section provides an introduction to embodiments of the
invention, while the second section describes example operating
environments. The third section describes example operations performed by
some embodiments. The fourth section presents some general comments.

Introduction

[0047] This section provides an introduction to some embodiments of the
invention.

[0048] Wagering games are expanding in popularity. Many garners are
demanding greater access to wagering games and content related to
wagering games. As a result, some companies have created network sites
that provide a full host of wagering-game-related content (hereinafter
"wagering-game-related sites"). Wagering-game-related content can include
content for presenting wagering games, and content for presenting
activities (e.g., entertainment games) that award value (e.g., points)
usable for playing wagering games, invoking wagering game bonus events,
obtaining casino services, etc.

[0049] Gainers can access the wagering-game-related sites using a
network-browsing-capable software application ("browser"). Gamers can log
on to the network site with a user account and access the site content
within a main content display on the browser. Currently, however, when a
user leaves the network site, that user loses contact with the site
content. Some users, however, may want to maintain some contact with the
site, even if the user is not currently accessing the
wagering-game-related site through the main content display of the
browser. FIG. 1 shows a browser device that allows a user to access
content on a wagering-game-related network site and present
wagering-game-related content in conjunction with wagering-game-related
objects. These objects can be buttons, menus, toolbars, or any other such
programmatic objects that are separate from the main content display.
Consequently, according to some embodiments of the invention, a user can
access wagering-game-related content even while the user is not directly
accessing at the wagering-game-related network site.

[0050] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a wagering-game-related network
browser device 102 ("browser device") connected to a communication
network 106, according to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 1, a
client device 104 can use the browser device 102. The client device 104
can be any machine or device that can run or access browser applications,
such as personal computers, remote access client devices, servers, cell
phones, personal digital assistants, etc. The client device 104 is
connected to a communication network 106 via a network communication
connection 110. A wagering game server 108 is also connected to the
communication network 106 via a network communication connection 112. The
communication network 106 is any network that can be used to exchange
content between the client device 104 and a wagering game content server
108. The wagering game content server 108 can communicate and store
wagering-game-related and non-wagering-game related content. In other
words, the wagering game content server 108 can host
wagering-game-related network sites.

[0051] The browser device 102 can control wagering-game-related objects
and content in a network-browsing capable application. The
wagering-game-related objects can include toolbars, buttons, etc., as
will be described further below. In some embodiments, the browser device
102 can have the wagering-game-related objects pre-built. On the other
hand, in other embodiments, the wagering game server 108 can transfer a
plug-in, add-in, skin, etc. to the client device 104. The plug-in can
contain the wagering-game-related objects and can install the
wagering-game-related objects into the browser device 102. Thus, the
wagering-game-related objects would not need to be pre-built into the
browser device 102.

[0052] Although FIG. 1 describes some embodiments, the following sections
describe many other features and embodiments.

Example Operating Environments

[0053] This section describes example operating environments and networks
and presents structural aspects of some embodiments. More specifically,
this section includes discussion about wagering game networks, wagering
game machine architectures, computer systems, wagering-game-related
network browser device architectures, network-browsing-capable
applications, and a mobile wagering game machines.

Example Wagering Game Network

[0054] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a wagering game network 200, according
to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 2, the wagering game
network 200 includes a plurality of casinos 220 connected to a
communications network 222. Each casino 220 includes a local area network
216, which includes an access point 204, one or more servers 218, and
wagering game machines 206, 211, 212. In one embodiment, the local area
network 216 may also include specific types of servers 218, such as a
wagering game server, a promotions server, a player information server, a
management server, a wagering game content server, or other servers not
shown herein, such as social networking servers, progressive servers,
player tracking servers, file servers, web servers, application servers,
database servers, and casino and player account servers. There are many
other devices, in other embodiments, that are not shown but that may
exist in a wagering game network (e.g., routers, switches, monitoring
equipment, etc.). The access point 204 provides wireless communication
links 210 with wagering game machines 206, 211, 212. The local area
network 216 may also include wired communication links 215 to connect to
servers 218, wireless access point 204, wagering game machines 206, 211,
212, one or more docking stations 208 and one or more kiosks 213 for
storing mobile machines. The wired and wireless communication links can
employ any suitable connection technology, such as Bluetooth, 802.11,
Ethernet, public switched telephone networks, SONET, etc. In some
embodiments, the servers 218 can serve wagering games and distribute
content to devices located in other casinos 220 or at other locations on
the communications network 222.

[0056] In some embodiments, wagering game machines 206, 211, 212 and
wagering game servers 218 work together such that wagering game machines
206, 211, 212 can be operated as a thin, thick, or intermediate client.
For example, one or more elements of game play may be controlled by the
wagering game machines 206, 212 (client) or the wagering game servers 218
(server). Game play elements can include executable game code, lookup
tables, configuration files, game outcome, audio or visual
representations of the game, game assets or the like. In a thin-client
example, the wagering game server 218 can perform functions such as
determining game outcome or managing assets, while the wagering game
machines 206, 211, 212 can present a graphical representation of such
outcome or asset modification to the user (e.g., player). In a
thick-client example, the wagering game machines 206, 211, 212 can
determine game outcomes and communicate the outcomes to the wagering game
server 218 for recording or managing a player's account.

[0057] In some embodiments, either the wagering game machines 206, 211,
212 (client) or the wagering game server(s) 218 can provide functionality
that is not directly related to game play. For example, account
transactions and account rules may be managed centrally (e.g., by the
wagering game server(s) 218) or locally (e.g., by the wagering game
machines 206, 211, 212). Other functionality not directly related to game
play may include power management, presentation of advertising, software
or firmware updates, system quality or security checks, etc.

[0058] The wagering game network 200 also includes a wagering-game-related
network browser device 202. The wagering-game-related network browser
device 202 can control wagering-game-related objects and content in a
network-browsing capable application. The wagering-game-related network
browser device 202 may be internal or external to a casino 220 and may
interact with any suitable wagering game network component to control
wagering-game-related objects and content in a network-browsing capable
application.

[0059] In some embodiments, a user could use a personal computer 250 from
home, or any other location external to the casinos 220. The personal
computer 250 can use the wagering-game-related network browser device
202. The wagering-game-related network browser device 202 can use
wagering-game-related objects to assign and display points in a network
browser application on the personal computer 250. The
wagering-game-related network browser device 202 can communicate those
points to the wagering game server 218. Consequently, if a user visits
one of the casinos 220, that user can use those points in the casino 220
to engage in wagering-game activity and or to obtain casino services. For
example, a user could use the wagering game machines 206, 211, 212 to log
on to a user account that includes a total of points earned by the user.
The user could use the wagering game machines 206, 211, 212 to spend
those points playing wagering games, ordering services, etc.

[0060] Any of the wagering game network components (e.g., the wagering
game machines 206, 211, 212) can include hardware and machine-readable
media including instructions for performing the operations described
herein. Machine-readable media includes any mechanism that provides
(i.e., stores and/or transmits) information in a form readable by a
machine (e.g., a wagering game machine, computer, etc.). For example,
tangible machine-readable media includes read only memory (ROM), random
access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media,
flash memory machines, etc. Machine-readable media also includes any
media suitable for transmitting software over a network.

Example Wagering Game Machine Architecture

[0061] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a wagering game machine architecture
300, according to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 3, the
wagering game machine architecture 300 includes a wagering game machine
306, which includes a central processing unit (CPU) 326 connected to main
memory 328. The CPU 326 can include any suitable processor, such as an
Intel® Pentium processor, Intel® Core 2 Duo processor, AMD
Opteron® processor, or UltraSPARC processor. The main memory 328
includes a wagering game unit 332. In one embodiment, the wagering game
unit 332 can present wagering games, such as video poker, video black
jack, video slots, video lottery, reel slots, etc., in whole or part.

[0062] The CPU 326 is also connected to an input/output ("I/O") bus 322,
which can include any suitable bus technologies, such as an AGTL+
frontside bus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus 322 is connected to a
payout mechanism 308, primary display 310, secondary display 312, value
input device 314, player input device 316, information reader 318, and
storage unit 330. The player input device 316 can include the value input
device 314 to the extent the player input device 316 is used to place
wagers. The I/O bus 322 is also connected to an external system interface
324, which is connected to external systems 304 (e.g., wagering game
networks). The external system interface 324 can include logic for
exchanging information over wired and wireless networks (e.g., 802.11g
transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet transceiver, etc.)

[0063] The I/O bus 322 is also connected to a location unit 338. The
location unit 338 can create player information that indicates the
wagering game machine's location/movements in a casino. In some
embodiments, the location unit 338 includes a global positioning system
(GPS) receiver that can determine the wagering game machine's location
using GPS satellites. In other embodiments, the location unit 338 can
include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that can determine
the wagering game machine's location using RFID readers positioned
throughout a casino. Some embodiments can use GPS receiver and RFID tags
in combination, while other embodiments can use other suitable methods
for determining the wagering game machine's location. Although not shown
in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the location unit 338 is not connected to
the I/O bus 322.

[0064] In one embodiment, the wagering game machine 306 can include
additional peripheral devices and/or more than one of each component
shown in FIG. 3. For example, in one embodiment, the wagering game
machine 306 can include multiple external system interfaces 324 and/or
multiple CPUs 326. In one embodiment, any of the components can be
integrated or subdivided.

[0065] In one embodiment, the wagering game machine 306 includes a
wagering-game-related network browser device 337. The
wagering-game-related network browser device 337 can process
communications, commands, or other information, where the processing can
control wagering-game-related objects and content.

[0066] Furthermore, any component of the wagering game machine 306 can
include hardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable media including
instructions for performing the operations described herein.

Example Wagering Game Network Computer

[0067]FIG. 4 is an illustration of a wagering game network computer 400,
according to some embodiments of the invention. The wagering game network
computer 400 can be employed as any suitable wagering-game-related
server, personal device for accessing wagering-game-related content, etc.
In FIG. 4, a wagering game network computer 400 includes a CPU 402
connected to a system bus 404. The system bus 404 is connected to a
memory controller 406 (also called a north bridge), which is connected to
a main memory unit 408, AGP bus 410 and AGP video card 412. The main
memory unit 408 can include any suitable memory random access memory
(RAM), such as synchronous dynamic RAM, extended data output RAM, etc. In
one embodiment, the wagering game network computer 400 includes a
wagering-game-related network browser device 437 to control
wagering-game-related objects and content in a network-browsing capable
application. The wagering-game-related network browser device 437 can
process communications, commands, or other information, where the
processing can control wagering-game-related objects and content in a
network-browsing capable application. The wagering-game-related network
browser device 437 is shown connected to the system bus 404, however the
wagering-game-related network browser device 437 could be connected to a
different bus or device within the wagering game network computer 400.

[0070] In some embodiments, the wagering game network computer 400 can
include additional peripheral devices and/or more than one of each
component shown in FIG. 4. For example, in some embodiments, the wagering
game network computer 400 can include multiple external multiple CPUs
402. In some embodiments, any of the components can be integrated or
subdivided.

[0071] Any component of the wagering game network computer 400 can be
implemented as hardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable media
including instructions for performing the operations described herein.

Example Wagering-Game-Related Network Browser Device Architecture

[0072]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a wagering-game-related network
browser device architecture 500, according to some embodiments of the
invention. In FIG. 5, the wagering-game-related network browser device
architecture 500 includes a content communication manager 510 to exchange
wagering-game-related content with devices on a wagering-game network.
Wagering-game-related content includes content provided by wagering game
content servers.

[0073] In FIG. 5, the wagering-game-related network browser device
architecture 500 also includes a content display manager 516 to display
wagering-game-related content. In some embodiments of the invention, the
content display manager 516 includes a main content display to display
content from a network site.

[0074] In FIG. 5, the wagering-game-related network browser device
architecture 500 also includes a wagering-game-related object manager 512
to present wagering game related objects (e.g., toolbars, buttons,
dropdown menus, etc.). The wagering-game-related object manager 512 can
also receive user-input regarding wagering-game-related objects. For
example, it can detect activation of an object and initiate appropriate
operations. Furthermore, the wagering-game-related object manager 512 can
track content driven event outcomes, such as scores, points, etc., that
represent earned values. The wagering-game-related object manager 512 can
then convey the values to a wagering game server for storage in a user's
account. The content display manager 516, described further above, can
display the values on wagering-game-related objects that are separate
from the main content display.

[0075] In FIG. 5, the wagering-game-related network browser device
architecture 500 also includes a wagering-game-related content handler
manager 518 to control wagering-game-related plug-ins and add-ins. The
plug-ins can be used to manage or control (e.g., load, cache, unload)
wagering-game-related objects within a browser application. The
wagering-game-related content handler manager 518 controls add-ins to
third-party applications and helper applications that can present and
control wagering-game-related objects and wagering-game-related content.

[0077] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a network-browsing-capable application
704, according to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 7, the
network-browsing-capable application 704 has navigational buttons 710,
and navigational bars 722 to navigate backward and forward, also upward
and downward, on a network site. The network-browsing-capable application
704 also has an address field 712 to designate a network location, such
as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), domain name, an IP address, etc. The
network-browsing-capable application 704 also has a main content display
720 to display content, such as wagering-game related content from the
site designated in the address field 712. Wagering-game-related content
732 can include graphics, sounds, and other media for representing
wagering games of all types. Wagering-game-related content can also
include account information 730 and other information related to wagering
games.

[0078] The network-browsing-capable application 704 also has
wagering-game-related objects, such as buttons 706, dropdown menus 714,
toolbars 708, or any other programmatic object that is separate from the
main content display 720. In FIG. 7, the wagering-game-related objects
are included on toolbars 708 above the main content display 720. However,
the wagering-game-related objects could be positioned anywhere on the
network-browsing-capable application 704, including as floating toolbars.
Because the wagering-game-related objects are separate from the main
content display 720, the objects can maintain a constant state even if
the state of the main content display changes.

[0079] The wagering-game-related objects can be used to display
wagering-game-related content (e.g., account information, points,
messages, notices, etc.) from a wagering-game-related network site and
also to activate operations to enable wagering game activity within the
application. For example, wagering-game-related content, like points and
account information, can be shown in the main content display 720 because
it is content from the wagering-game-related network site. That same
information, however, can also be accessed and displayed on the
wagering-game-related objects.

Example Network-Browsing-Capable Application

[0080] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a network-browsing-capable application
904, according to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 9, the
network-browsing-capable application 904 has navigational buttons 910,
and navigational bars 922, to navigate backward and forward, also upward
and downward, on a network site. The network-browsing-capable application
904 also has an address field 912 to designate a network location, such
as a domain name, an IP address, etc. The network-browsing-capable
application 904 also has a main content display 920 to display content,
such as non-wagering-game related content, from the site designated in
the address field 912. Non-wagering-game-related content includes
content, such as games, account information, etc., that is on a
non-wagering-game-related website.

[0081] The network-browsing-capable application 904 also has
wagering-game-related objects, such as buttons 906, dropdown menus 914,
toolbars 908, or any other programmatic objects that are separate from
the main content display 920. In some embodiments, the
wagering-game-related objects can be referred to as toolbar objects
indicating that the objects are contained within a toolbar. Since the
wagering-game-related objects are separate from the main content display
920, the objects can maintain a constant state even if the state of the
main content display changes. In other words, the wagering-game-related
objects can continue to display wagering-game-related content from a
wagering game content server while the main content can display other
content, such as content from a non-wagering game content server.
Consequently, in some embodiments, the wagering-game-related objects
constitute a secondary display (i.e., not the main content display) to
display content from a wagering game content server regardless of the
content displayed by the main content display.

[0082] In some embodiments of the invention, activities not directly
associated with wagering games can produce content related to wagering
games. For example, playing entertainment games (e.g., board games,
adventure games, etc.) can produce points for use with wagering game
accounts. The wagering-game-related objects can track the points and
transmit the points to a wagering game content server, placing the points
within a wagering game user's account. The network-browsing-capable
application 904 can also permit a user to browse to a
wagering-game-related network site, such as the wagering-game-related
network site shown in FIG. 7. At the wagering-game-related site, the
points can be used for wagering-game-related activity, such as getting
access to VIP services, receiving offers, or even playing wagering games.

Example Mobile Wagering Game Machine

[0083] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a mobile wagering game machine 1200,
according to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 12, the mobile
wagering game machine 1200 includes a housing 1202 for containing
internal hardware and/or software such as that described above vis-a-vis
FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the housing has a form factor similar to a
tablet PC, while other embodiments have different form factors. For
example, the mobile wagering game machine 1200 can exhibit smaller form
factors, similar to those associated with personal digital assistants. In
one embodiment, a handle 1204 is attached to the housing 1202.
Additionally, the housing can store a foldout stand 1210, which can hold
the mobile wagering game machine 1200 upright or semi-upright on a table
or other flat surface.

[0085] In one embodiment, the mobile wagering game machine 1200 uses the
biometric device 1206 for authenticating players, whereas it uses the
display 1216 and speakers 1214 for presenting wagering game results and
other information (e.g., credits, progressive jackpots, etc.). The mobile
wagering game machine 1200 can also present audio through the audio jack
1208 or through a wireless link such as Bluetooth.

[0086] In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit 1212 can include
infrared wireless communications technology for receiving wagering game
content while docked in a wager gaming station. The wireless
communication unit 1224 can include an 802.11G transceiver for connecting
to and exchanging information with wireless access points. The wireless
communication unit 1224 can include a Bluetooth transceiver for
exchanging information with other Bluetooth enabled devices.

[0087] In one embodiment, the mobile wagering game machine 1200 is
constructed from damage resistant materials, such as polymer plastics.
Portions of the mobile wagering game machine 1200 can be constructed from
non-porous plastics which exhibit antimicrobial qualities. Also, the
mobile wagering game machine 1200 can be liquid resistant for easy
cleaning and sanitization.

[0088] In some embodiments, the mobile wagering game machine 1200 can also
include an input/output ("I/O") port 1230 for connecting directly to
another device, such as to a peripheral device, a secondary mobile
machine, etc. Furthermore, any component of the mobile wagering game
machine 1200 can include hardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable
media including instructions for performing the operations described
herein.

Example Operations

[0089] This section describes operations associated with some embodiments
of the invention. In the discussion below, the flow diagrams will be
described with reference to the block diagrams presented above. However,
in some embodiments, the operations can be performed by logic not
described in the block diagrams.

[0090] In certain embodiments, the operations can be performed by
executing instructions residing on machine-readable media (e.g.,
software), while in other embodiments, the operations can be performed by
hardware and/or other logic (e.g., firmware). In some embodiments, the
operations can be performed in series, while in other embodiments, one or
more of the operations can be performed in parallel. Moreover, some
embodiments can perform less than all the operations shown in any flow
diagram.

[0091]FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating controlling
wagering-game-related objects and content in a network-browsing capable
application, according to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 6,
the flow 600 begins at processing block 602, where a
wagering-game-related network browser device ("browser device") presents
one or more wagering-game-related objects in a network-browsing capable
application. The wagering-game-related objects can include buttons,
dropdowns and toolbars, such as those shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9. The
browser device could also allow a user to customize or configure the
wagering-game-related objects.

[0092] In FIG. 6, the flow 600 continues at processing block 604, where
the browser device detects activation of the one or more
wagering-game-related objects. More specifically, referring momentarily
to FIG. 7, buttons 706, for example, could be used to access account
information, display content from a wagering game content server, or even
to play wagering games. Likewise, referring momentarily to FIG. 9,
buttons 906, for example, could be used to account information and
display content from a wagering game content server, even though the
browser device might be accessing a non-wagering-game-related network
site. Even further, still referring to FIG. 9, the wagering-game-related
objects can activate events, activities and services that are not
directly related to wagering games, but that might be other services
offered by the wagering-game-related network site. These events,
activities, and services could include searching for a user name stored
on the wagering game content server, chatting with another user, or in
inviting the user to engage in non-wagering-game-related activity.

[0093] In FIG. 6, the flow 600 continues at processing block 606, where
the browser device exchanges wagering-game-related content with a device
on a wagering game network, such as a wagering game content server. For
example, a content communication manager could exchange
wagering-game-related content with between the browser device and the
wagering game content server on a wagering game network.

[0094] In FIG. 6, the flow 600 continues at processing block 608, where
the browser device presents wagering-game-related content using the one
or more wagering-game-related objects. For example, referring again to
FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, the browser device presents wagering-game-related
content (e.g., points, account information, etc.) on the
wagering-game-related objects.

[0095] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating controlling
wagering-game-related objects and content in a network-browsing capable
application, according to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 8,
the flow 800 begins at processing block 802, where a browser device
presents one or more wagering-game-related objects in a network-browsing
capable application. The wagering-game-related objects can include
buttons, dropdowns and toolbars, such as those shown in FIG. 7 and FIG.
9.

[0096] In FIG. 8, the flow 800 continues at processing block 804, where
the browser device tracks a value assigned to an event outcome. In some
embodiments, the event is a not related directly to wagering games, as
shown in FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 9, for example, the browser device can
present wagering-game-related objects, like buttons 906, that allow a
first user (e.g., "BIGBADBOY") to query the wagering game server to
determine whether a second user (e.g., "ACE1025") is currently online
(i.e., logged on). The browser device can indicate whether the second
user is online, and if so, the browser device can allow the first user to
interact with the second user. For example, the first user could
challenge the second user to engage in an entertainment activity or
event, like a board game, trivia games, etc. The entertainment activity
or event can result in a "win" outcome for one of the users. The outcome
could add points to a user's wagering-game account and add those points
to a total point amount shown on the wagering-game-related objects. The
points can represent values assigned to events based on outcomes between
the competing users. The user who won the points could then log in to a
wagering-game-related network site, such as that shown in FIG. 7. The
user could then use the points for wagering-game-related activities.
Similarly, the user could visit a casino, similar to casino 220 described
in FIG. 2 above. The user could use the points for wagering-game-related
activities in the casino 220.

[0097] In FIG. 8, the flow 800 continues at processing block 806, where
the browser device conveys the assigned value to a wagering-game-related
server. Referring back to FIG. 9, the wagering-game-related objects could
convey the increase or decrease in points back to the wagering game
server and write the point total to the user's account.

[0098] In FIG. 8, the flow 800 continues at processing block 808, where
the browser device presents the awarded value using the one or more
wagering-game-related objects. In FIG. 9, a wagering-game-related object
displays points.

[0099] In FIG. 8, the flow 800 continues at processing block 810, where
the browser device detects the occurrence of additional event outcomes
that affect the assigned value. In other words, the browser device can
periodically check to determine outcomes that could affect the assigned
value, such as additional outcomes that might add or subtract more
points, and accordingly repeat any portion of the flow 800.

[0100]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating controlling
wagering-game-related objects in a network-browsing capable application,
according to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 10, the flow 1000
begins at processing block 1002, where a browser device requests a
wagering-game-related content handler from a network server. The
wagering-game-related content handler can be an add-in or a plug-in that
can install a toolbar, buttons, or other wagering-game-related objects.
In some embodiments, requesting a wagering-game-related content handler
from a wagering game content server is an optional process. The wagering
game content server could instead push the wagering-game-related content
handler.

[0101] In FIG. 10, the flow 1000 continues at processing block 1004, where
the browser device receives a wagering-game-related content handler from
the wagering game content server.

[0102] In FIG. 10, the flow 1000 continues at processing block 1006, where
the browser device installs the wagering-game-related content handler
into a network-browsing-capable application. In some embodiments, a
wagering-game-related content handler manager installs the
wagering-game-related content handler into a network-browsing-capable
application. The network-browsing-capable application could be any
software application that can browse network sites. For example, the
network-browsing-capable application could be a generic browser
application configured principally for browsing networks, like the
Internet. In other embodiments, however, the network-browsing-capable
application could be any application or helper application that could
receive and display content from a server device (e.g., role-playing
games and social-network community access software, email or
instant-messaging client software, etc.).

[0103] In FIG. 10, the flow 1000 continues at processing block 1008, where
the browser device loads wagering-game-related objects into the
network-browsing-capable application. For example, when the
network-browsing-capable application is initially run, it can load the
wagering-game-related objects (e.g., a toolbar) into the application for
use.

[0104] In FIG. 10, the flow 1000 continues at processing block 1010, where
the browser device unloads wagering-game-related objects from the
network-browsing-capable application. For example, when the
network-browsing-capable application is closed, the browser device can
unload the wagering-game-related objects.

[0105] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating controlling
wagering-game-related content and content handlers in a wagering game
server, according to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 11, the
flow 1100 begins at processing decisional block 1102, where a wagering
game content server can receive a request for a wagering-game-related
content handler. If the wagering game content server receives a request
for a wagering-game-related content handler, then the method 1100 moves
to processing block 1106, described below. If, however, the wagering game
server does not receive a request for a wagering-game-related content
handler, then the method continues to processing block 1104.

[0106] In FIG. 11, at block 1104, the wagering game content server
initiates a wagering-game-related content handler push. The wagering-game
server can push a wagering-game-related content handler to a client
device, even if the client device does not specifically request it. If
the server does initiate a push, then the method 1100 continues at the
next process block 1106. Otherwise, the method 1100 continues at
processing block 1108.

[0107] At block 1106, the wagering game content server provides the
wagering-game-related content handler. The wagering-game-related content
handler can be sent as an executable file, a plug-in, a service, etc.,
via a communication network. The wagering-game-related content handler
can be saved to a client device and installed directly onto the client
device. In some embodiments the wagering-game-related content handler
installs wagering-game-related objects into network-browsing-capable
application.

[0108] In FIG. 11, the flow 1100 continues at processing block 1108, where
the wagering game content server interfaces with a client device that has
one or more wagering-game-related objects in a network-browsing-capable
application.

[0109] In FIG. 11, the flow 1100 continues at processing block 1110, where
the wagering game content server receives wagering-game-related content,
such as server content requests, database queries, log-in requests, point
value additions or deductions, or any other types of content described
herein.

[0110] In FIG. 11, the flow 1100 continues at processing block 1112, where
the wagering game server generates responsive wagering-game-related
content. Responsive wagering-game-related content can include games,
reciprocal point value totals, responses to queries, or any content
responsive to the content received at block 1110

[0111] In FIG. 11, the flow 1100 continues at processing block 1114, where
the wagering game content server sends the responsive
wagering-game-related content to the client device. The client device can
pass that content on to a browser device. The browser device can display
at least some of the content using wagering-game-related objects.

[0112]FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating using a wagering game
toolbar, according to some embodiments. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram
that helps illustrate the flow of FIG. 13, according to some embodiments.
This description will present FIG. 13 in concert with FIG. 14. In FIG.
13, the flow 1300 begins at processing block 1302, where a wagering game
system ("system") presents a wagering game toolbar in a network browsing
capable application. The wagering game toolbar can include wagering game
play elements and wagering game controls, such as wagering game icons,
graphics, buttons, etc. FIG. 14, illustrates an example of a wagering
game toolbar 1408. In FIG. 14, a system 1400 includes a computer 1445
connected, via a communications network 1422, to an account server 1470,
a wagering game server 1450, and a web server 1480. The computer 1445 can
run a network browsing capable application, like the browser 1404. The
browser 1404 can include the wagering game toolbar 1408 displayed in an
auxiliary section of the browser 1404. A main section 1420 of the browser
1404 can display content received from the web server 1480. The web
server 1480 can provide content from any source on the Internet (e.g., an
online retailer, a gaming website, a search engine, a social network,
etc.). The address bar 1412 can include a website address for the web
server 1480. The wagering game toolbar 1408 includes one or more game
play icons 1410 that can be used to present a wagering game within the
wagering game toolbar 1408. The wagering game toolbar 1408 can change the
game play icons 1410 to appear differently, emulating the game play
elements used during a wagering game. For example, in some embodiments,
the game play icons 1410 can represent the reel images of a video slot
reel. In other embodiments, the game play icons 1410 can represent cards
in a hand of video poker, keno balls, and/or other play elements in other
wagering games. The game play icons 1410 can be any number of icons that
fit within the wagering game toolbar 1408, or within any associated
extensions (e.g., drop-downs, pop-up, frames, grids, panels, etc.) of the
wagering game toolbar 1408. Extensions of the wagering game toolbar can
be considered part of the wagering game toolbar 1408 because they
originate from the wagering game toolbar 1408 as a result of activity
that occurs within, or that is activated from, the wagering game toolbar
1408. In some embodiments, the wagering game toolbar 1408 can scroll,
automatically or manually, to present more information. Further, the
objects and information presented on the wagering game toolbar 1408 can
periodically change to show more information. In some embodiments, the
wagering game toolbar 1408 can have controls near the wagering game icons
1410, such as the "spin" control button 1411. In other embodiments,
however, the wagering game toolbar can have controls within the
extensions to the wagering game toolbar 1408.

[0113] The wagering game toolbar 1408 can have settings 1415 that present
various options, configurations, etc. One of the settings 1415 can change
the game that is displayed within the wagering game toolbar 1408. As a
result, the system 1400 can cause the game play icons 1410 to change
based on a selected wagering game. The settings 1415 can be in an
extension, such as a drop-down, but can also be located in other places
away from the wagering game toolbar 1408, such as in options associated
with the browser 1404, in a configuration file, in an operating system
component, etc. The settings 1415 can cause additional extensions to
appear, such as a game play panel 1403, which can configure and/or
control wagering games within the wagering game toolbar 1408. The game
play panel 1403 can include game controls, betting controls, help menus,
payout charts, login items, credit meters, payment meters, game
statistics, progressive game information, bonus game information, etc.
The game play panel 1403 can have multiple parts. For example, the game
play panel 1403 includes a betting panel 1416 and a progressive game
panel 1417. In the betting panel 1416 are various controls that can place
bets, multiply bets, set bet pay lines, etc. The bet amounts can be
displayed in the wagering game toolbar 1408 as a meter 1409. The pay
lines settings can set one or more pay lines associated with the wagering
game. The wagering game toolbar 1408 can display the pay lines, such as
pay line 1418. The pay line 1418 is an example of a wrap-around pay line,
according to some embodiments. The wrap-around pay line 1418 monitors
icon combinations along the line starting from the second icon 1423 from
the left, extending through to the last icon on the right 1424, then
wrapping around the icons back to the first icon 1425 from the left. The
five icons, beginning on the second icon 1423, following the pay line
that wraps around to the first icon 1425, represent a five by one
(5×1) matrix of icons for which wagering game play icons 1410 can
line up in a winning combination. The wrap-around pay line can begin on
any of the icons and end on any adjacent icon. Because there are five
icons 1410 shown, the wagering game toolbar 1408 can have five
wrap-around pay lines. The wagering game toolbar 1408, however, can have
other types of pay lines, such as rows of continuous icons starting from
any one icon and ending on another (e.g., from the first icon, to the
third icon), but not wrapping around, scatter reel pay lines, where any
scattering of icons can win and does not necessarily have to be in a row,
etc. The system 1400 can determine pay line setting values set within the
betting panel 1416 and provide the pay line values to the wagering game
server 1450. The wagering game server 1450 can provide the computer 1445
with multiple wagering game results, which the wagering game toolbar 1408
can present for any of the pay lines set within the betting panel 1416.
The wagering game toolbar 1408 can present an animation, or other type of
congratulatory display, for any winning pay line.

[0114] The progressive game panel 1417 can display progressive game
settings related to wagering games with progressive awards (e.g.,
progressive jackpots). The progressive game settings can control a
progressive display section 1413 on the wagering game toolbar 1408, that
shows progressive game information (e.g., any number of progressive
jackpot meters showing a running, real-time count of an amount to be won
by a progressive jackpot, game branding graphics showing what game is
associated with the progressive jackpot, etc.). The wagering game toolbar
1408 can detect when a player selects the progressive game information
and cause some activity to occur, such as cause the progressive game to
appear on the wagering game toolbar 1408 and/or on an extension, cause
the main display section 1420 to display the progressive game, etc. The
progressive game settings within the progressive game panel 1417 can
specifically determine how the progressive game information is displayed.
For example, the progressive game settings can determine a number of
progressive game meters that are displayed at any given time, how the
meters appear within the progressive game section 1413 (e.g., as
scrolling tickers, as banner icons that fade in and out, etc.), any
special indicators (e.g., light, shaking, etc.) for progressives that
have not hit in a specified amount of time, how the progressive game
meters are sorted (e.g., by game type, by highest to lowest jackpot
amounts, by amounts of time most over an average time to hit a jackpot,
by amounts of time not hitting the jackpot, by casino provider, by how
many players have played the progressive game within a specified period
of time, by how many friends or social contacts that have played the
progressive game, etc.). In some embodiments, the progressive game panel
1417 can track progressive games from different casinos. For example, the
progressive settings can watch for progressive games from online casinos
and brick-and-mortar casinos (e.g., "concrete" or "material" casinos with
actual buildings or facilities). When displaying progressive game
information in the progressive display section 1413, the system 1400 can
display indicators (e.g., messages, different branding, specific
background colors, etc.) that distinguish online progressive games from
games that are in a brick-and-mortar casino. The system 1400 can detect a
player's preferences and determine which brick-and-mortar casinos that
are closest to the player's residence, and present maps to wagering game
machines, within those casinos, which have the progressive game. The
system 1400 can also detect, based on a network identifier (e.g., an IP
address), the current location of the computer 1445, and present
brick-and-mortar casinos that are closest to that current location. In
some embodiments, the system 1400 can provide alerts that indicate when a
progressive game jackpot reaches a certain value. The system 1400 can
also perform side betting on progressive games, and/or perform other
operations related to progressive wagering games. In some embodiments,
instead of having a progressive display section 1413 on the wagering game
toolbar 1408, the system 1400 can have a separate, stand-alone
progressive toolbar. The separate toolbar can be bundled with
applications other than the wagering game toolbar 1408.

[0115] The settings 1415 can also show login information 1414. The login
information 1414 can include account identification information of a
player that is logged in to a wagering game account. The wagering game
toolbar 1408 can present login controls (not shown) to login the player
to the wagering game server 1450, the account server 1470, or both. In
some embodiments, the player can be pre-logged in, for example, by using
an operating system's login information, or by having login information
stored in the system 1400 so that the wagering game toolbar 1408
automatically logs a player in to the wagering account when the browser
1404 is launched. The settings 1415 can also configure the wagering game
toolbar 1408 to display wagering games and/or other casino activity
(e.g., replays of games, available games, openings in a game tournament,
invitations to game challenges, etc.), information about friends and
social contacts (e.g., whether the friends are logged in to the casino
network, whether the friends are playing in a tournament, etc.),
information on side-betting, etc. The settings 1415 can configure the
wagering game toolbar 1408 to perform, or stop performance of, certain
actions, such as automatically betting on whether individuals will win a
wagering game, automatically folding hands, instantly notifying a player
when a specific hand or game play icon configuration appears,
automatically repeating spins, pausing set actions after a big win, etc.

[0116] The wagering game toolbar 1408 can be configured in many different
ways other than the example shown in FIG. 14. For example, the wagering
game toolbar 1408 can be configured to scroll information instead of
displaying information in a static fashion. The game play icons 1410 can
appear to spin on the wagering game toolbar 1408. The control button 1411
can be draggable, removable, associated with a secondary input (e.g.,
keyboard key), etc. In another example, the wagering game toolbar 1408
can be configured to toggle between a wagering mode and a non-wagering
mode. For instance, the system 1400 can determine a secondary input that
toggles the objects on the wagering game toolbar 1408 from a "cash" mode,
which places wagers on the wagering game, to a "fun" mode, which does not
use cash as a wager, causing the game play icons 1410 to activate without
a wager. An example of a secondary input can be a keyboard key
combination (e.g., a control button+left mouse click causes a wagering
mode, where a left mouse click is a non-wagering mode default). The
system 1400 can tally points for both wagering modes and non-wagering
modes.

[0117] The flow 1300 continues at processing block 1306, where the system
obtains a wagering game result from a wagering game content provider. The
wagering game content provider can provide wagering game results (e.g.,
wins, losses, bonus rounds, jackpots, etc.). The wagering game provider
can transmit the wagering game results across a wide area network from a
wagering game server to a client device that includes the toolbar.

[0118] The flow 1300 continues at processing block 1308, where the system
processes the wagering game play elements on the toolbar for the wagering
game. Based on the wagering game result, the system causes the wagering
game play elements to appear in a specific configuration. For example,
the system can consult a payout chart that describes configurations for
the wagering game play elements and then arrange the wagering game play
elements according to a configuration that matches the wagering game
result. In some embodiments, the wagering game result can include results
for both the wagering game and for one or more bonus games. For example,
the wagering game provider can include a bonus award in place of, or in
addition to, a wagering game result. In some embodiments, the system can
present bonus displays, such as pick-field bonus rounds where the player
can select from a grid of bonus icons. The system can present bonus
pop-up and/or drop down displays. The system can present configurations
and controls that can save bonuses in a player profile, then access,
share, redeem, trade-in, or exchange bonus awards (e.g., exchange 5 free
spin bonuses for an invitation to a game tournament). The system can send
notifications to the player and/or to a player's social contacts about
the bonus awards. The system can also present links from the wagering
game toolbar to other websites where the player can view, redeem, or
otherwise use the bonus awards.

[0119] The flow 1300 continues at processing block 1310, where the system
presents the wagering game result on the wagering game toolbar. The
system can present the wagering game result using one or more toolbar
objects, such as the wagering game play elements. The system can also
utilize the wagering game toolbar to present the bonus awards,
progressive awards, etc. For example, FIGS. 15 and 16 below illustrate
one example of presenting a bonus award using the wagering game toolbar.

[0120]FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating using online wagering game
provider affiliations with a wagering game toolbar, according to some
embodiments. FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram that helps illustrate the
flow of FIG. 15, according to some embodiments. This description will
present FIG. 15 in concert with FIG. 16. In FIG. 15, the flow 1500 begins
at processing block 1502, where a wagering game system ("system")
presents a toolbar in a network browsing capable application. FIG. 16
illustrates an example wagering game toolbar 1608 that can be used in
conjunction with an affiliate content provider. In FIG. 16, a system 1600
includes a computer 1645 connected to a communications network 1622. Also
connected to the communications network 1622 are a wagering game server
1650, an account server 1670, and an affiliate web server 1680. The
computer 1645 can present a browser 1604 with a wagering game toolbar
1608. The wagering game toolbar 1608 is similar to the wagering game
toolbar 1408 presented in FIG. 14. The wagering game toolbar 1608
presents wagering games and information associated with wagering games.

[0121] The flow 1500 continues at processing block 1504, where the system
receives wagering game content and affiliate content. An affiliate can be
a web-based partner that works with a wagering game provider to
cross-market services, products, etc. The affiliate can incentivize
potential wagering game players to use the wagering game provider's
website, casino facilities, gaming machines, service providers, other
affiliates websites, and/or wagering game toolbars. Likewise, the
wagering game provider can, via the wagering game toolbar, work in
conjunction with the affiliate's content to present incentives, awards,
etc., that can encourage use of the wagering game toolbar and/or to
support (e.g., patronize) the affiliate's website, facilities, services
providers, etc. Affiliates can be any online entity and/or service that
are associated with the wagering game provider, such as online gaming
websites, casinos, online retailers, social network websites, etc.
Affiliates can also be individuals that post on blogs, personal websites,
etc. The individual type affiliates can also refer potential wagering
game players to the wagering game provider, and vice versa. In some
embodiments, some affiliates (e.g., individual affiliates) can receive
points, or other awards redeemable by the wagering game provider, for
referring potential players to the wagering game provider (e.g., via use
of the toolbar, via an affiliate's website, etc.). In other embodiments,
some affiliates (e.g., business affiliates) can receive some portion of
profits (e.g., a percentage of wagering game losses) from wagering game
players that were referred to the wagering game provider. In FIG. 16, the
computer 1645 receives wagering game content from the wagering game
server 1650. The computer 1645 also receives affiliate content from the
affiliate web server 1680. The computer 1645 can receive the content in
various ways, such as via satellite signals, through a wide-area computer
network, through radio signals (e.g., in the case of a wireless device),
etc. The browser 1604 can include an address bar 1612 for a network
address to the affiliate web server 1680. When the browser 1604 accesses
the network address for the affiliate web server 1680, the affiliate web
server 1680 provides content (e.g., web page files) pertinent to the
affiliate's website. The browser 1604, via the computer 1645, can also
request wagering game content from the wagering game server 1650. The
affiliate web server 1680 can respond by sending the computer 1645
control information and game content that the computer 1645 can process
and present.

[0122] The flow 1500 continues at processing block 1506, where the system
presents the wagering game content in the wagering game toolbar and the
affiliate content in a main display area of the network browsing capable
application. For example, in FIG. 16, the browser 1604 can present the
affiliate's content (e.g., from the affiliate web server 1680) in the
main display 1620 of the browser 1604. Concurrently, the browser 1604 can
present the wagering game content in the wagering game toolbar 1608, in
similar ways to those described in FIGS. 13, 14, and elsewhere herein.

[0123] The flow 1500 continues at processing block 1508, where the system
presents an affiliate indicator using the toolbar. In FIG. 16, the
wagering game toolbar 1608 includes an affiliate indicator 1610. The
affiliate indicator 1610 can indicate when the browser 1604 is accessing
an affiliate content provider, or in other words, when the affiliate web
server 1680 provides content to the browser 1604. The affiliate indicator
1610 can indicate when the browser 1604 is accessing and/or displaying
content from the affiliate web server 1680 within the main display 1620.
The affiliate indicator 1610 can determine that the affiliate web server
1680 is an online affiliate of the wagering game provider in various
ways. For example, the wagering game toolbar 1608 can be created by, or
distributed by, the affiliate web server 1680 and thus be pre-configured
to determine when the affiliate web server 1680 is being accessed. In
some embodiments, the affiliate indicator 1610 can detect that the
affiliate web server 1680 is an affiliate by accessing a table,
associated with the wagering game server 1650, which lists all affiliates
of the wagering game provider. Further, in some embodiments, the
affiliate indicator 1610 can detect that the affiliate web server 1680 is
an affiliate by detecting an electronic signal and/or a script embedded
within the content provided by the affiliate web server 1680. The
affiliate indicator 1610 can indicate the affiliate in different ways.
For example, the affiliate indicator 1610 can blink, change color, or
perform other graphical effects to indicate that the website being
visited is a wagering game provider affiliate website. The affiliate
indicator 1610 can also present sounds. The affiliate indicator 1610 can
also work in conjunction with other parts of the browser (e.g., the main
display 1620, dropdowns, as pop-ups, etc.), with web widgets, etc. The
affiliate indicator 1610 can indicate that the affiliate website can
provide an award, or bonus, for playing the wagering game toolbar 1608
while visiting the affiliate's website and/or by performing specific
actions while at the affiliate's website (e.g., the affiliate bonus
becomes available when the player (a) makes a purchase from the website,
(b) clicks on a certain number of links, (c) signs up for the affiliate's
newsletter, (d) creates an account at the affiliate website, etc.). In
some embodiments, the affiliate indicator 1610 can display promotions
and/or cross-marketing benefits. For example, the affiliate indicator
1610 presents a drop-down display 1630 that shows benefits for playing
the wagering game toolbar 1608 while visiting the affiliate's website
(e.g., a free game spin, a bet multiplier increase, etc.). Likewise, the
drop-down display 1630 can show benefits for visiting and/or using the
affiliate's website (e.g., a coupon code). In some embodiments, the
system 1600 can accept a bonus code provided via an affiliate's purchase
receipt. For example, a player may visit an affiliate retail store and
receive a purchase receipt with a bonus code printed on it. The browser
1604 (e.g., the main display section 1620 and/or the wagering game
toolbar 1608) can receive the bonus code, thus activating and/or
enhancing the potential affiliate bonus.

[0124] The flow 1500 continues at processing block 1510, where the system
presents the affiliate bonus award using the wagering game toolbar. For
instance, in FIG. 16, when the content from the affiliate web server 1680
is presented in the main display 1620, the affiliate web server 1680 can
provide an affiliate award for playing wagering games with the wagering
game toolbar 1608. The system 1600 can present the affiliate award using
an affiliate award display 1625. In some embodiments, the affiliate award
display 1625 can also present a wagering game bonus (e.g., an award, a
free spin, an invitation to a game tournament, entertainment points,
etc.) concurrently with the affiliate award. The affiliate award display
1625 can also present options for the player to trade, or exchange,
affiliate and wagering-game-provider bonuses, for greater awards by
either the wagering game provider or the affiliate. The wagering game
toolbar 1608 and/or the main display section 1620 can provide controls
for redeeming the bonuses, if they are redeemable online. The system 1600
can also email, print, or in other ways document and/or notify the
player, or others, of the bonus(es), so that the player can later redeem
the bonus(es) when away from the browser 1604 and/or when the player is
offline. In some embodiments, the affiliate bonus can be tiered (e.g., in
tier 1 the system 1600 provides a 5% discount, in tier 2 the system 1600
provides a 10% discount, etc.), such as for progressive bonuses, standard
bonuses, etc. For example, bonus games presented via the affiliate award
display 1625 can utilize any techniques described above conjunction with
FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0125] In FIGS. 15 and 16, affiliate marketing is described in conjunction
with a wagering game toolbar. Other marketing types, however, according
to other embodiments can also be used in conjunction with a wagering game
toolbar. For example, a wagering game toolbar can be utilized in viral
marketing (e.g., peer to peer marketing), search engine marketing, email
marketing, etc. For instance, a social network may provide the wagering
game toolbar, web widgets, etc., that a social network user can
disseminate to social contacts. The social network and wagering game
provider can utilize some of the techniques described above in
conjunction with affiliates. For example, a toolbar manufacturer may
create and provide a toolbar to a wagering game provider (e.g., a casino,
an online wagering game site, etc.). The wagering game provider may offer
the toolbar through their website for players to download and use. The
player could pass a copy of the toolbar along to other players, or may be
indicated as a reference when the other players access the toolbar from
the wagering game provider. As a result, the player that referred the
toolbar to the other players may get some form of reward for encouraging
the use of the toolbar via the peer to peer sharing of the toolbar. This
reward may be less than a standard business arrangement for profit
sharing. For instance, a standard business agreement between affiliates
may include a provision that the affiliate receives some large percentage
of losses (e.g., 40% of losses) for a player that is referred to the
wagering game provider. However, through a viral or peer-to-peer sharing,
of the toolbar, the wagering game provider can provide less of a
percentage and/or other awards or incentives for referring players to the
wagering game provider. In some examples, the wagering game provider may
provide, for the referral, incentives and awards such as a set dollar
amount (e.g., $50 per referral), entertainment points, perks, social
status points, invitations to exclusive games or tournaments, etc. As a
player refers more players, the referring player's incentives may
increase proportionately. If the players that were referred also refer
their own players, then they can also receive incentives and awards.
Plus, the original referring player may also receive a percentage of
awards and incentives made by their referring players, similar to a
multi-level marketing structure. In some embodiments, the system can
provide custom awards, where the referring player can select what types
of awards they receive. Some of those awards can avoid providing the
player with awards associated with their referred friends' gambling
losses. The system can provide awards that foster the social relationship
between the players, such as group awards, awards based on a player's
winnings, awards that enhance the referring player's social status (which
can provide the player with greater access to high profile events to
which they can invite other players), and so forth. The system can also
pool awards and distribute the awards periodically, according to a
calculation based on a variety of factors, such as a number of referred
players, how active the referring player is playing wagering games, how
active the referred players are playing wagering games, how many players
those players have referred, etc.

[0126]FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating using a wagering game
toolbar to interact with player accounts, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram that helps illustrate the flow of FIG.
17, according to some embodiments. This description will present FIG. 17
in concert with FIG. 18. In FIG. 17, the flow 1700 begins at processing
block 1702, where a wagering game system ("system") presents multiple
toolbar objects in a network browsing capable application. In some
embodiments, multiple toolbar objects can display different wagering game
information at the same time. For example, some toolbar objects can
present wagering games (e.g., game play icons, control buttons, bonus
displays, game replays, etc.), while other toolbar objects present
related information, or rather, information that is related to a wagering
game account or to a wagering game, but that is not a wagering game
(e.g., game statistics, social contact information, login information,
invitations, challenges, instant messages, game openings, notifications
of a player accomplishing an accomplishment indicated in player
preference settings, news feeds, stock tickers, player locations, player
history, financial account information, calendaring, etc.). In some
embodiments, the related information can include audience generated
communication and activities provided by wagering game accounts logged
into the system. Because the audience can be users logged into wagering
game accounts, the audience interaction may be referred to herein as
"wagering player account content" and/or "audience generated content".
The audience generated content can relate to wagering games that are
presented in toolbar objects or that are scheduled to appear on a
wagering game toolbar.

[0127] The flow 1700 continues at processing block 1704, where the system
receives wagering game provider content and wagering player account
content. For example, in FIG. 18, a wagering game system ("system") 1800
includes a computer 1845 connected to a wagering game server 1850 and an
account server 1870 via a communications network 1822. The wagering game
server 1850 and account server 1870 can jointly, or individually, provide
both wagering game content and wagering player account content to the
computer 1845 to present in a browser 1804. The wagering player account
content can include information that one or more audience members may
contribute, via a first wagering game toolbar 1808. The wagering game
content can include content that shows, or processes, wagers (e.g.,
side-bets) and wagering games (e.g., wagering game shows, wagering game
replays, etc.). For instance, an audience member can use the first
wagering game toolbar 1808 to perform and communicate as an observer
while watching someone play, or waiting for someone to play, wagering
games. The browser 1804 also includes a second wagering game toolbar
1809, that an observer can utilize for other wagering game related
activities possibly different from (or related to) activities performed
in the first wagering game toolbar 1808.

[0128] Returning momentarily to FIG. 17, the flow 1700 continues at
processing block 1706, where the system presents the wagering game
provider content and the wagering player account content in the multiple
toolbar objects. For instance, in FIG. 18, the first wagering game
toolbar 1808 can present information and communication tools related to a
wagering game show, such as chat controls 1811, side-betting controls
1812, and a game show display 1815. At the same time, the second wagering
game toolbar 1809 can present information related to a wagering player's
account. The game show display 1815 includes a notice to watch a player
(e.g., ACE1025) play a wagering game. For instance, a player (possibly
known to the user of the computer 1845) may have had an exceptional run
of luck on a wagering game and may have reached a "jackpot" round, where
the player is eligible to play for a chance at winning a jackpot. The
user (e.g., BIGBADBOY) of the computer 1845 may have a setting that
indicates that the user would like to be notified when players reach a
jackpot round. As a result, the system 1800 presents the notice within
the game show display 1815. The notice can count down a specific amount
of time until the player begins the jackpot round of the wagering game.
During that time, the user controlling the browser 1804 can chat (e.g.,
using the chat controls 1811) with the player, or other audience members
also waiting for the player to begin the game. Also during that time,
audience members can place side bets (e.g., using the side-betting
controls 1812) on how the player will perform in the upcoming jackpot
round. The game play display 1815 can also show game replays, for
instance, one or more of the player's rounds leading up to the jackpot
round. In some embodiments, the system 1800 can give, or receive, replay
"credits" that a user can spend to record, view, or otherwise use
replays. Once the player begins the jackpot round, the game show display
1815 can display the player's actions in real-time. While activity occurs
within the first wagering game toolbar 1808, the second wagering game
toolbar 1809 can display other information, such as an accumulation of
entertainment points and an invitation to spend points on an auction
item. The points can be entertainment points that the user has earned.
The second wagering game toolbar 1809 can also display points, or other
awards, that the user earns from activities performed within the first
wagering game toolbar 1808 (e.g., chatting, placing side-bets, watching
replays, guessing outcomes, answering trivia questions, etc.). The second
wagering game toolbar 1809 can also present a link to an auction website
(e.g., an affiliate's website, the casino's website, etc.). The user can
activate the link, which can cause an auction website to display, for
instance, within the main display section 1820 of the browser 1804,
within an extension to the second wagering game toolbar 1809, within
both, or in other locations (e.g., using another application on the
computer 1845, using another instance of the browser 1804, etc.). The
auction website can use the points as bids on auctions for free spins,
plays, merchandise, trips, and other products or services. The user can
have settings that can generate notifications when there are sufficient
points to bid on a desired item. Auctions are one example of a loyalty
program that the system 1800 can effectuate using the wagering game
toolbars 1808, 1809. The system 1800, however, can utilize other loyalty
programs, other than auctions, that a user can spend entertainment points
on, such as reward programs, customer support packages, discounts, status
enhancements, avatar items, etc.

[0129]FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating processing an online
wagering game tournament, according to some embodiments. FIG. 20 is a
conceptual diagram that helps illustrate the flow of FIG. 19, according
to some embodiments. This description will present FIG. 19 in concert
with FIG. 20. In FIG. 19, the flow 1900 begins at processing block 1902,
where a wagering game system ("system") accesses a wagering game account
and registers the wagering game account in an online wagering game
tournament. For example, in FIG. 20, a system includes multiple client
devices (e.g., a computer 2045 and a mobile device 2055) connected to a
wagering game server 2050 and an account server 2070 via a communications
network 2022. In some embodiments, the client devices 2045 and 2055 can
be outside of a casino network. The wagering game server 2050 and the
account server 2070 can be inside of a casino network. The computer 2045
includes an application program capable of presenting, in an auxiliary
display, wagering game information from a wagering game provider. One
example of an auxiliary display is a wagering game toolbar 2008 within a
browser 2004. The computer 2045 can access an online casino website
(e.g., the wagering game server 2050) and present content pertaining to a
wagering game tournament within a main display 2020 of the browser 2004.
The wagering game server 2050 can determine when a player has logged in
to a player account and access the player's account on the account server
2070. The wagering game server 2050 can register the player for the
wagering game tournament. The wagering game tournament can require that
the player complete a number of wagering games (e.g., complete a minimum
number of spins, play a minimum number of hands, etc.) within a specific
time period (e.g., a day, a week, etc.) and/or until a specific condition
occurs (e.g., until someone hits a point value, until a related event
begins or ends, etc.).

[0130] The flow 1900 continues at processing block 1904, where the system
sends wagering game information to a device outside of a wagering game
network to present the wagering game information in an auxiliary display
of a network browsing capable application. For example, in FIG. 20, the
wagering game server 2050 sends wagering game information to the computer
2045 to display in the browser 2004. The player can begin playing games
using the main display 2020 of the browser 2004. When the player
navigates away from the online casino website, however, the player can
remain connected (e.g., logged in) to the wagering game tournament and
continue playing wagering games using the auxiliary display (e.g., the
wagering game toolbar 2008) of the browser 2004. If the player has to
leave the computer 2045, the player can use the mobile device 2055. The
mobile device 2055 can include an application (e.g., a mobile widget
2056), that can present wagering games for the wagering game tournament.

[0131] The flow 1900 continues at processing block 1906, where the system
receives completion information from the device that the device has
processed wagering games using the wagering game information. In FIG. 20,
when a player completes a wagering game, the computer 2045 and/or the
mobile device 2055 can send completion information to the wagering game
server 2050. The wagering game server 2050 tracks that information for
the wagering game tournament. The wagering game server 2050 can track the
number of games played by any of the devices (e.g., the computer 2045 and
the mobile device 2055). In some embodiments, the system 2000 can also
determine that a player is playing a wagering game machine within a
casino, and can also track plays from the wagering game machine for the
wagering game tournament. The system 2000 can determine the time that the
wagering games were completed by referencing a system clock for the
devices 2045, 2055 and/or a system clock on the wagering game server
2050. The system 2000 notes the time, as well as the wagering game
result, to track a score (e.g., points, credits, etc.) earned by the
player while playing the wagering games.

[0132] The flow 1900 continues at processing block 1908, where the system
determines that the device has processed the wagering games within a
specified time period for the wagering game tournament. For example, a
wagering game "slot" tournament may require five-hundred spins within a
week. The wagering game server hosting the "slot" tournament tracks the
number of spins and the number of games played. If the player completes
the five-hundred spins within the week, then the player is eligible to
win the "slot" tournament, along with any other players that have also
completed their spin count within the week. The eligible player with the
highest score wins the tournament.

[0133] The flow 1900 continues at processing block 1910, where the system
presents online wagering game tournament statistics for the wagering game
account. For example, in FIG. 20, the system 2000 can host a tournament
results web page 2030 (e.g., using the wagering game server 2050 and/or
other servers not shown). The computer 2045 can access the tournament
results web page 2030 and display it within the main display 2020 of the
browser 2004. The wagering game toolbar 2008 and the mobile device 2055
can also access and display the tournament results web page 2030. The
tournament results web page 2030 can present real-time game statistics
for all registered tournament players. The statistics can include the
players' names, the number of games played, the scores, a number of games
left to play, a clock displaying how much time is left to complete games,
etc. After the tournament ends, the tournament results web page 2030 can
display winners and awards, viewable via the browser 2004, the wagering
game toolbar 2008 and the mobile widget 2056.

GENERAL

[0134] This detailed description refers to specific examples in the
drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in sufficient
detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive
subject matter. These examples also serve to illustrate how the inventive
subject matter can be applied to various purposes or embodiments. Other
embodiments are included within the inventive subject matter, as logical,
mechanical, electrical, and other changes can be made to the example
embodiments described herein. Features of various embodiments described
herein, however essential to the example embodiments in which they are
incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject matter as a whole, and
any reference to the invention, its elements, operation, and application
are not limiting as a whole, but serve only to define these example
embodiments. This detailed description does not, therefore, limit
embodiments of the invention, which are defined only by the appended
claims. Each of the embodiments described herein are contemplated as
falling within the inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the
following claims.